Your CMR Education Committee is working hard to prepare an amazing Fall Conference!
We think you'll love our range of topics and speakers, loon specialists, MN DNR, Explore Minnesota, marketing strategists, resorter panels, Crackerbarrels (Q&A with other resorts), silent & live auctions, entertainment, and vendor show!
We know it has been a busy summer for many resort owners! So let's come together to learn from each other and expert speakers, share your experience, and get to know other resorts from Minnesota!
Check out the schedule, speakers, and accommodations below!
The admission fee for the first attendee ($200) from each resort/campground will be credited to your 2024-2025 CMR Annual Membership.* Any additional attendees, beyond the first attendee from the same resort, will go to the cost of the conference.
*The credit is not to exceed the annual cost of your CMR membership.
We think you'll love our range of topics and speakers, loon specialists, MN DNR, Explore Minnesota, marketing strategists, resorter panels, Crackerbarrels (Q&A with other resorts), silent & live auctions, entertainment, and vendor show!
We know it has been a busy summer for many resort owners! So let's come together to learn from each other and expert speakers, share your experience, and get to know other resorts from Minnesota!
Check out the schedule, speakers, and accommodations below!
The admission fee for the first attendee ($200) from each resort/campground will be credited to your 2024-2025 CMR Annual Membership.* Any additional attendees, beyond the first attendee from the same resort, will go to the cost of the conference.
*The credit is not to exceed the annual cost of your CMR membership.
Location
Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake
11000 Craguns Drive
Brainerd, MN 56401
11000 Craguns Drive
Brainerd, MN 56401
Date & Time
Conference Begins: Thursday, October 26, 2023 | 10am
Vendor Show: Friday, Oct. 27 | 10am-4pm
Depart: Saturday, October 28, 2023 | 1pm
Vendor Show: Friday, Oct. 27 | 10am-4pm
Depart: Saturday, October 28, 2023 | 1pm
Schedule subject to updates & changes.
Day 1 - Thursday, Oct. 26: at Cragun's Legacy Pavilion
10-10:30 AM
Welcome and Registration
Cragun's Legacy Pavilion at the Legacy Golf Course Clubhouse
Cragun's Legacy Pavilion at the Legacy Golf Course Clubhouse
Our CMR Office Manager, Sue, will check you in and give you a welcome packet and name tag. If you haven't paid, please be prepared with a check written to the CMR.
10:30-11:30 aM
Intentions, Introductions, & Ice Breaker
Education Committee
11:30 am-12:45 pM
How to Build a Campfire: A Framework for Red-Hot Customer Stories
Katie Beedy, Senior Content Strategist at Tellwell Story Co. + Studio
Lunch & Learn
Lunch Buffet at Cragun's Legacy Pavilion
12:45-2:15 pM
Ted Schick: A Working Speaker for Working People - "Living the Dream"
Schick Corporate Learning
2:15-2:25 pM
Break
2:25-3:05 pM
Explore Minnesota Tourism
Nicole Lalum, EMT Northwest, Northeast & Central Industry Relations
3:05-4:05 pM
The Land of 12,000 Loons: Engaging Your Guests in Protecting Our State Bird
Natasha Bartolotta of National Loon Center with Loon Specialist Jayden Jech, MN DNR Loon Restoration Project, and also Steven Yang of "Get the Lead Out."
4:05-5:00 PM
Legislative Updates
Presented by Joel Carlson, Community of MN Resorts Legislative Lobbyist
5:00-6:00 pM
Happy Hour & Golf Chipping
Sponsored by Northwoods Bank
6:00-7:00 pM
Dinner & Golf Chipping
Pavilion Buffet
7:00-7:30 pM
Move to Cragun's Resort - Check into Rooms
Check into Cragun's Resort early by filling out all of Cragun's registration and payment information online (email you received) before the conference begins. Cragun's will allow early room check-in if your room is ready. If your room is not ready earlier, your registration key pick-up will be expedited at this time.
...
Silent Auction Begins
Location: Lakeshore Room
Silent Auction begins and runs through Saturday evening.
Remember to bring a silent auction item to the conference! Donate new items, gift cards, unique goods, services, etc.
Also, be prepared to bid on items to raise funds for the Day On the Hill Legislative efforts.
Silent Auction begins and runs through Saturday evening.
Remember to bring a silent auction item to the conference! Donate new items, gift cards, unique goods, services, etc.
Also, be prepared to bid on items to raise funds for the Day On the Hill Legislative efforts.
7:30-9:00 pM
Trivia Night: Entertainment
Location: Lakeshore Room
Sponsored & led by Lake Country Resort Sales
9:00-11:00 PM
Marc Bloomquist Hospitality Room (optional)
Location: Mtg Room 371
Sponsored by: Resort Forward
Coordinator: James Daigle & Jason Christensen
Sponsored by: Resort Forward
Coordinator: James Daigle & Jason Christensen
Schedule subject to updates & changes.
Day 2 - Friday, Oct. 27: at Cragun's Resort
8:00-9:00 AM
Breakfast
Location: Main Dining Room
9:10-9:40 AM
Resorter of the Year Award
Presented by Jim & Kristin Wherley, formerly of Sunset Bay Resort
Location: Lakeshore Room
Location: Lakeshore Room
9:40-10:00 AM
Major Sponsor Presentation - Resort Forward
Co-Founders Dave and Brian will give an overview of some core features and answer any questions you may have. Booking and managing new reservations, detailed reports, managing your units, boats, and guests, setting up automated emails and text messages, sending payment links, setting up and managing guest invoices, integrations with QuickBooks, Airbnb, VRBO, and more, and working in our integrated point-of sale are some of the features we will touch on.
Location: Lakeshore
10 am-12 pm
Vendor Show
Special prizes are awarded throughout the Vendor Show for present guests! Snacks are available for purchase.
Vendors: Bring your prizes!
Location: Sports Centre at Cragun's Resort
Vendors: Bring your prizes!
Location: Sports Centre at Cragun's Resort
11 am-12 PM
Breakout Session: "Coffee with New Resorters"
New to resorting within the past 3 years? Enjoy coffee with other new resorters. Collectively discuss your experiences & come up with questions you’d like discussed at upcoming Crackerbarrel.
Location: Lakeshore Room
Location: Lakeshore Room
12-1 pM
Lunch
Location: Main Dining Room
12:15-1:15 pM
Lunch & Learn Breakout: Keys to Social Media Success with Jordan Sabey
Crafting Engaging Content & Building Communities: Keys to Social Media Success
Vendors are welcome to join!
Location: Guests grab lunch at the Main Dining Room, Vendors bring their bag lunch, and bring it to Lakeshore Room
Vendors are welcome to join!
Location: Guests grab lunch at the Main Dining Room, Vendors bring their bag lunch, and bring it to Lakeshore Room
1-4 pM
Vendor Show + Cash Bar
Special prizes awarded throughout the Vendor Show for present guests! Vendors: Bring your prizes! Snacks available for purchase.
Location: Sports Centre inside of Cragun's
Location: Sports Centre inside of Cragun's
2:00-3:00 pM
Breakout Crackerbarrel Session: “Cleaning: Best Products & Practices"
Location: Lakeshore Room
4:05-5:05 pM
Resorter Panel + Crackerbarrel
Topic: 3 Innovators of the Year - TBA
Location: Lakeshore Room
Location: Lakeshore Room
5:05-5:25 pM
Major Sponsor Presentation - RezStream
rezStream equips resorts and campgrounds with a Suite of Lodging Solutions and a personalized customer service experience that keeps them close to guests. Our easy-to-use solutions provide great value for any size and/or type of property looking to grow revenue and simplify operations.
Location: Lakeshore Room
5:30-6:30 PM
CMR Annual Meeting
Location: Lakeshore Room
6:30-7:30 pM
Dinner
Location: Lakeshore Room
Associate Members* are invited to join us for dinner and live auction entertainment! *Associate members need to purchase dinner tickets ($30) in registration ahead of time.
Associate Members* are invited to join us for dinner and live auction entertainment! *Associate members need to purchase dinner tickets ($30) in registration ahead of time.
7:30-8:30 pM
Silent Auction Ends + Live Auction!
Special Hosts - The Wallenbergs!
Location: Lakeshore Room
8:30-11 PM
Marc Bloomquist Hospitality Room (optional)
Location: Meeting Room 371
Sponsored by: Minnesota Resort Sales
Coordinator: James Daigle & Jason Christensen
Sponsored by: Minnesota Resort Sales
Coordinator: James Daigle & Jason Christensen
Schedule subject to updates & changes.
Day 3 - Saturday, Oct. 28: at Cragun's Resort
7:30-8:30 AM
Breakfast
Location: Main Dining Room
8:30-9:30 aM
Resorter Crackerbarrel
Answer questions from the “Coffee with New Resorters” gathering & bring all of your questions.
Location: Lakeshore Room
9:30-10:30 AM
Insights with DeeDee LeMier: TBA
U of M Extension Educator Tourism Center
Location: Lakeshore Room
Location: Lakeshore Room
10:40-11:40 AM
Part II: “Increase Guest Experience + Revenue With Minimal Cost To You" with Hannah Peura
Presented by Hannah Peura of Compass Rose Wholesale
Location: Lakeshore Room
11:40 am-12 PM
Wrap Up, Thank You, & Final Drawing
Must be present to win.
12:30-1:30 PM
CMR Board Meeting: Working Lunch
Location: TBD
Box Lunch for CMR Board
Box Lunch for CMR Board
2023's Fall Conference Speakers
Speaking Topic:
"Living the Dream"
"Living the Dream"
Description: TBA
About Ted Schick
Ted Schick grew up in Minnesota and today resides in Fredenberg Township, just north of Duluth, MN on the shores of Island Lake Reservoir. A retired naval officer who rose from the enlisted ranks, Ted has over 30 years of experience leading people and over 26 years of teaching experience from US Navy instructor to High School teacher to Corporate Trainer to owner of Schick Corporate Learning.
Ted holds a BA in Business from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, received a teaching certificate from Bemidji State University, as well as a Master of Education from the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
Ted enjoys all outdoor activities including biking, skiing, swimming, kayaking, and fishing. A true servant leader, Ted believes in giving to his community and has donated his time to Spirit Mountain Ski Patrol, local animal humane societies, Mentor Duluth, and Second Harvest Foodbank as well as “Meals-on-Wheels.”
Ted holds a BA in Business from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, received a teaching certificate from Bemidji State University, as well as a Master of Education from the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
Ted enjoys all outdoor activities including biking, skiing, swimming, kayaking, and fishing. A true servant leader, Ted believes in giving to his community and has donated his time to Spirit Mountain Ski Patrol, local animal humane societies, Mentor Duluth, and Second Harvest Foodbank as well as “Meals-on-Wheels.”
Speaking Topic:
Increase Guest Experience + Revenue With Minimal Cost To You | PART II
Would you like to make more revenue during your guest's visit, and make re-bookings a breeze? Do you want your guests to have a greater experience while they visit your resort/campground? Hannah will walk you through some easy steps to accomplish all of these with no or minimal cost to you. Join us for PART TWO, after an amazing first session at 2022's Fall Conference!
About Hannah
Hannah Peura is an entrepreneur that thrives on helping other small businesses succeed as well. Her gift store Compass Rose has given her the retail and merchandising experience to add to her already vast knowledge of marketing and design. During the pandemic, she started to see the supply chain struggles and took matters into her own hands. She now offers custom wholesale products to resort owners and other small businesses with low minimums helping grow their retail side without housing large amounts of inventory.
Speaking Topic:
How to Build a Campfire: A Framework for Red-Hot Customer Stories
In this session, Katie Beedy of Tellwell Story Co. & Studio will share a three-step strategy for leveraging customer testimonials to build trust and inspire action.
About Katie
Katie Beedy is a Minnesota-based writer and content strategist dedicated to helping brands share their authentic stories across platforms. As Senior Content Strategist at Tellwell Story Co. & Studio, she has helped organizations in various industries--including higher education, tech, finance, and the nonprofit sector--clarify their brand messaging and drive business objectives through story-based film and design.
Nicole Lalum
Northwest and Central Industry Relations and Tribal Nations Outreach
Explore Minnesota Tourism
Speaking Topic:
Explore Minnesota Tourism
About Nicole
Nicole Lalum is from the state tourism agency, Explore Minnesota. At the agency, she is an Industry Relations contact for destination marketing organizations and tourism businesses in the northwest and central regions. Her experience in radio, hospitality, and association management makes her background extensive in partner relations, marketing, promotions and events. Nicole is going to share information on Explore Minnesota, insights on national and state trends regarding the travel consumer as well as some of the marketing Explore Minnesota does and what you can do to be involved and take advantage of the programs and initiatives at the agency and beyond.
DeeDee LeMier
EXTENSION EDUCATOR WITH COMMUNITY ECONOMICS AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
U of M Extension in Brainerd, MN
Speaking Topic:
Insights in Minnesota Tourism
Description: TBA
About DeeDee
DeeDee LeMier is a Community Economics and Tourism Extension Educator who joined the U of M Extension in January 2020, bringing 13+ years of experience in outreach & engagement work across rural Minnesota. She has worked with young people in Baudette, Luverne, Grand Marais, and almost everywhere in between. Her experience spans the higher education, nonprofit, and private sectors. She holds a BA in Organizational Communication and an MBA from Hamline University.
DeeDee has joined us for our CMR Board Retreat as well as 2023 CMR Spring Workshop. She also is the owner of Dorset Candle Co.
DeeDee has joined us for our CMR Board Retreat as well as 2023 CMR Spring Workshop. She also is the owner of Dorset Candle Co.
Speaking Topic:
The Land of 12,000 Loons: Engaging Your Guests in Protecting Our State Bird
Many visitors are drawn to the Land of 10,000 Lakes (and 12,000 loons) to experience the natural beauty and wildlife found Up North. The National Loon Center, the Minnesota Loon Restoration Project (MN DNR), and Get the Lead Out (MPCA) are all working together to protect one the most iconic species of the Northwoods. Learn how your resort can get involved to offer guests an experience that's good-for-the-soul and for the loons.
About Natasha
Natasha migrated all the way from the Northeast to the Midwest in the fall of 2021 to join the National Loon Center. Prior to joining the NLC she worked for Audubon Louisiana as a Coastal Bird Technician to promote community stewardship of beach-nesting birds. Natasha has also worked as a Conservation Educator for the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Pennsylvania and as a research assistant for projects on wild chimpanzees and orangutan behavioral ecology in Uganda and Sumatra, respectively. She’s hoping to use her unique range of experiences to be the best advocate she can for loon conservation and freshwater habitat preservation.
Natasha has her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Cornell University, graduating with Distinction in Research. She is excited to draw from her scientific background to develop engaging educational and citizen science programs on Minnesota’s lakes and loons. In her free time, Natasha enjoys kayaking, baking (and eating bread), hiking, reading, and exploring new places. She’s looking forward to discovering all the beautiful natural spaces in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Natasha has her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Cornell University, graduating with Distinction in Research. She is excited to draw from her scientific background to develop engaging educational and citizen science programs on Minnesota’s lakes and loons. In her free time, Natasha enjoys kayaking, baking (and eating bread), hiking, reading, and exploring new places. She’s looking forward to discovering all the beautiful natural spaces in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
About Jayden
I promote the conservation and restoration of common loons in Minnesota by conducting surveys, developing “Loon-Friendly Lake” management plans, supporting stewardship through public outreach and engagement, and more! My work is part of the Minnesota Loon Restoration Project.
Jayden's wildlife story: On my first day working with loons, I was called to respond to an injured loon. Veterinarians determined the bird ingested a lethal amount of lead fishing tackle. Since then, I have been inspired to continue to work toward supporting loon conservation and have continued to be amazed by their charismatic calls, unique life history, and ability to inspire and unite people.
Jayden's wildlife story: On my first day working with loons, I was called to respond to an injured loon. Veterinarians determined the bird ingested a lethal amount of lead fishing tackle. Since then, I have been inspired to continue to work toward supporting loon conservation and have continued to be amazed by their charismatic calls, unique life history, and ability to inspire and unite people.
Speaking Topic:
The Land of 12,000 Loons: Engaging Your Guests in Protecting Our State Bird
About Steven
Steven Yang is a program coordinator for the Get the Lead Out program at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Prior to starting this current position in fall 2020, he graduated from Duke University in spring 2020 with his masters in environmental management.
Jordan Sabey
MARKETING, SOCIAL MEDIA, & RESORT MANAGER
Little Boy Resort & Longville Chamber of Commerce
Speaking Topic:
Crafting Engaging Content and Building Communities: Keys to Social Media Success
About Jordan
Jordan Sabey grew up at Little Boy Resort. She graduated with a degree in marketing and worked for many years in advertising and social media. Now, she manages social media for Little Boy Resort and the Longville Chamber of Commerce. Jordan will dive into Facebook, Instagram, and Google. She will teach you how to create a strategy that is easy to follow and connect with your guests.
Joel Carlson
Community of MN Resorts Lobbyist
St. Paul, MN
Speaking Topic:
Legislative Updates
Conference Sponsorship
Sponsor a Conference Event
MAJOR Sponsor - Gold: $2750
Co-sponsor - Silver: $1000
Alacarte - Misc.
Co-sponsor - Silver: $1000
Alacarte - Misc.
Sponsorship Levels:
∙ Major Sponsorship – Gold Tier – $2750: Click here to learn more! I
Includes 20-minute presentation with ALL resort owner audience, Vendor Show Booth ($725 Value), banner ad on our website for one year, & acknowledgment of sponsorship in all print & online information (MN Resorter Magazine, Facebook Membership Group, Facebook public page, and all outside Fall Conference advertisements such as city chambers and Explore MN), & logo on printed banner displayed during the full conference.
∙ Co-Sponsorship – Silver Tier – $1000
During your co-sponsored event**, your name will be displayed on the table and your literature can be passed around and included in all welcome folder materials.
Includes banner ad on our website for one year, & acknowledgment of sponsorship in all print & online information (MN Resorter Magazine, Facebook Membership Group, Facebook public page, member email advertisement), & logo on printed banner displayed during the full conference. **Education Committee will choose which event is sponsored for your acknowledgment.**
∙ Alacarte Sponsorship Opportunities:
Meal, Snacks, or Beverages Sponsorship - $300
Hospitality Room Sponsorship - $500
Entertainment Night - $500
Silent/Live Auction Donations - Free Will
∙ Major Sponsorship – Gold Tier – $2750: Click here to learn more! I
Includes 20-minute presentation with ALL resort owner audience, Vendor Show Booth ($725 Value), banner ad on our website for one year, & acknowledgment of sponsorship in all print & online information (MN Resorter Magazine, Facebook Membership Group, Facebook public page, and all outside Fall Conference advertisements such as city chambers and Explore MN), & logo on printed banner displayed during the full conference.
∙ Co-Sponsorship – Silver Tier – $1000
During your co-sponsored event**, your name will be displayed on the table and your literature can be passed around and included in all welcome folder materials.
Includes banner ad on our website for one year, & acknowledgment of sponsorship in all print & online information (MN Resorter Magazine, Facebook Membership Group, Facebook public page, member email advertisement), & logo on printed banner displayed during the full conference. **Education Committee will choose which event is sponsored for your acknowledgment.**
∙ Alacarte Sponsorship Opportunities:
Meal, Snacks, or Beverages Sponsorship - $300
Hospitality Room Sponsorship - $500
Entertainment Night - $500
Silent/Live Auction Donations - Free Will
INDICATE WHICH LEVEL OF SPONSORSHIP YOU WOULD LIKE BY SELECTING THE TICKET YOU ARE INTERESTED IN.
E-MAIL [email protected] FOR ANY QUESTIONS.
E-MAIL [email protected] FOR ANY QUESTIONS.
THANK YOU TO OUR MAJOR SPONSORS!
Associate Members of the Community of Minnesota Resorts (CMR) are businesses that provide goods and services that are particularly relevant to the operation of resorts and campgrounds. The CMR appreciates every Associate Member for their membership in the CMR, and their ongoing support of Resorts and Campgrounds throughout the state of Minnesota!
The following Associate Members are this year's Major Sponsors of the Community of Minnesota Resorts Fall Conference. We will update as they are accepted! Their contributions enable the CMR to present an even more enriching and fulfilling fall conference platform of speakers, presentations, and educational opportunities for our resort and campground members.
We want to thank each of the Major Sponsors! Visit them during the fall conference and vendor show, provide your appreciation for their sponsorship, and explore their product and service offerings!
The following Associate Members are this year's Major Sponsors of the Community of Minnesota Resorts Fall Conference. We will update as they are accepted! Their contributions enable the CMR to present an even more enriching and fulfilling fall conference platform of speakers, presentations, and educational opportunities for our resort and campground members.
We want to thank each of the Major Sponsors! Visit them during the fall conference and vendor show, provide your appreciation for their sponsorship, and explore their product and service offerings!
Brought to you by your CMR Education Committee:
Emily Norris | Pimushe Resort | [email protected]
Tim Norris | Pimushe Resort | [email protected]
Joanna Wallenberg | Brookside Resort | [email protected]
Kayla Daigle | Two Inlets Resort | [email protected]
Kyle Walter | Acorn Hill Resort | [email protected]
Sue Malikowski | CMR Office Manager | [email protected]
In special memory of Marc Bloomquist.
Tim Norris | Pimushe Resort | [email protected]
Joanna Wallenberg | Brookside Resort | [email protected]
Kayla Daigle | Two Inlets Resort | [email protected]
Kyle Walter | Acorn Hill Resort | [email protected]
Sue Malikowski | CMR Office Manager | [email protected]
In special memory of Marc Bloomquist.
We look forward to having you!
